Self Assessment customers will not receive a penalty for their late online tax return if they file by 28 February, HM Revenue and Customs has announced.
HMRC is encouraging anyone who has not yet filed their tax return to do so by 31 January if possible. But anyone who cannot file their return by the 31 January deadline will not receive a late filing penalty if they file online by 28 February.
Taxpayers are still obliged to pay their bill by 31 January. Interest will be charged from 1 February on any outstanding liabilities. Customers can pay online, or through their bank, or by post before they file.
Taxpayers who cannot afford to pay their tax bill on time can apply online to spread their bill over up to 12 months. But they will need to file their 2019 to 2020 tax return before setting up a time to pay arrangement, so HMRC is encouraging everyone to do this as soon as possible.